Hoops: Boys preview, Auburn Knights

Sunday

A team returning three starters isn’t normally considered a team with a ton of experience back.

A team returning three starters isn’t normally considered a team with a ton of experience back.

But when one of those three is one of the best point guards in the state, it makes a huge difference.

All-state guard Fred Van Vleet returns for this senior season and will try to lead the Knights to a repeat of the NIC-10 championship. Van Vleet, who signed earlier this month to play Division I ball with Wichita State University, earned NIC-10 MVP honors last year after leading Auburn to a 16-0 conference finish.

“Anytime you start with Fred, that’s a pretty great piece to start with,” Hononegah coach Mike Miller said. “I’ve never seen a high school kid that makes better decisions with the ball than he does. He’s just a fantastic player, so obviously you have to start with Auburn.”

Two other key starters return in all-conference guard LaMark Foote (6-0 Sr.) and Javauntae Hicks (6-0 Sr. G), making guard play once again a strength for the Knights.

“Our goals are very high,” said Ott, who led the Knights to their first sectional title since the 1978-1979 season last year. “Our returners understand just how difficult it is to sustain the focus necessary to succeed, and that experience will hopefully allow us to maintain our sense of purpose throughout the season.”